Prince George's County State Senator Victor Ramirez talks about this legislation. Download This File

Brad Botwin, driectro of Help Save Maryland says there is a big problem with this bill. Download This File

There's legislation in Annapolis that would allow local police departments to ignore orders from federal immigration officials to detain illegal immigrants, who are charged with non-violent offenses.

The bill, sponsored by Prince George's County Democratic Senator Victor Ramirez would prohibit judges in Maryland from denying bail to defendants who federal officials believe are in the U.S. illegally.

Ramirez says that judges could still deny bail, if it is determined the defendant is a threat to the community.

Ramirez says the measure goes "hand in hand" with the federal "Secure Communities" where violent offenders were held in local jails, if their immigration status was questioned by federal officials.

Ramirez says that there are plenty of immigrants who are stopped for traffic offenses or other non-violent offenses, who are later held in jails because of their immigration status.

He says the current policy "divides communities."

"People are afraid to come and report crimes. People are afraid to call in, if they're a victim of a crime, because they are afraid people will ask them about their immigration status," Ramirez told WBAL News.

Officials from the ACLU and CASA of Maryland testified in favor of the bill.

Leaders of the group Help Save Maryland testified against it, saying that it expands Maryland's reputation as a "sanctuary state" for illegal immigration.

The group's director says it sends the wrong message.

"Basically this bill tells the federal government to get the heck out of Maryland, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)," Brad Botwin told WBAL News.